Forex Major Currencies Outlook (Nov 14, 2016)

Equities managed to squeeze out more gains at the end of the week and traders are now turning their attention to FOMC rate hike prospects. US preliminary consumer sentiment also beat expectations by rising to 91.2. There are no reports due from the US economy today. 

EUR

The euro lost a lot of ground to its peers on Friday as traders are focusing on the political event risks in the region. Data was mostly in line with expectations last Friday while today has the euro zone industrial production and a speech by ECB head Draghi lined up. Analysts are expecting to see a 0.9% drop in production, following the previous 1.6% gain. 

GBP

The pound continued its ascent until the end of the week, even though there were no major reports from the UK economy then. It seems as though the improved sentiment in the US has been carrying over to the UK, with some predicting that Brexit would turn out well for the economy down the line. Earlier today, Rightmove HPI printed a 1.1% drop in house prices. 

CHF

The franc kept falling against most of its counterparts as risk appetite improved and the threat of SNB intervention prevented traders from pushing their previous long positions. Swiss PPI is up for release today and a 0.2% uptick is eyed, weaker compared to the earlier 0.3% gain. 

JPY

The yen continued to give up ground against its peers as risk-taking carried on until the end of the week. Over the weekend, Japan reported a stronger than expected GDP reading of 0.5% versus the estimated 0.2% expansion. Its industrial production report is due next and a flat reading is eyed. 

Commodity Currencies (AUD, NZD, CAD)

The comdolls gave up their recent gains on downbeat Chinese data, weaker oil prices, and the earthquake in New Zealand. Chinese retail sales slumped from 10.7% to 10% on a year-over-year basis. Industrial production was unchanged at 6.1% versus the projected rise to 6.2% while fixed asset investment ticked slightly higher. New Zealand's quarterly retail sales report is due next and slower gains for both headline and core figures are eyed.

By Kate Curtis from Trader's Way